uns/iine 

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Marij  C 
Brine 


UGS8    URR4RY 


SUNSHINE 


The  Temple  Series* 

Dainty  cloth  bindings.    Illustrated. 
Price,  35  cents  each,  postpaid. 

THE  FOUR  G'S.          Rev.  Theodore  L.  Cuyler,  D.  D. 
JUST  TO  HELP.  Amos  R.  Wells. 

GOLDEN  COUNSELS.  Dwlght  L.  Moody. 

WELL-BUILT.  Rev.  Theodore  L.  Cuyler.  D.  D. 

HELPS  UPWARD.  Rev.  Wayland  Hoyt,  D.  D. 

A  FENCE  OF  TRUST.    (Poems.)          Mary  F.  Butts. 
PLUCK  AND  PURPOSE.  William  M.  Thayer. 

LITTLE  SERMONS  FOR  ONE.  Amos  R.  Wells. 

WISE  LIVING.  Rev.  George  C.  Lorlmer,  D.  D. 

TACT.  Kate  Sanborn. 

YOUTH  AND  AGE.  Rev.  James  Stalker,  D.  D. 

SUNSHINE.    (Poems.)  Mary  D.  Brine. 

MAKING  THE  MOST  OF  ONESELF. 

Rev.  A.  S.  Gumbart,  D.  D. 
OLD  LANTERNS  FOR  PRESENT  PATHS. 

Rev.  Francis  E.  Clark,  D.  D. 
THE  INDWELLING  GOD. 

Rev.  Charles  A.  Dickinson,  D.  D. 
ANSWERED  I 

Rev.  J.  Wilbur  Chapman,  D.  D.,  Rev. 

R.    A.   Torrey,   D.  D.,     Rev.  C.  H. 

Yatman,  Rev.  Edgar   E.   Davidson, 

Thomas  E.  Murphy,  and  Rev.  A.  C. 

Dixon,  D.  D. 

United  Society  of    Christian  Endeavor, 
Boston  and  Chicago. 


"Sunshine" 

And   Other   Poems 


By 

Mary  D.  Brine 

Author  of  "  Grandma's  Attic  Treasures," 

'  Story  of  Aunt  Patience,"  "  Grandma's  Memories,' 

"  The  Mother's  Song,"  etc.,  etc.,  etc. 


United  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor 
Boston  and  Chicago 


Copyright,  1899, 

BY   THE 

UNITED  SOCIETY  OF  CHRISTIAN  ENDEAVOR 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

SUNSHINE 9 

FOOTSTEPS 10 

" GOD'S  ANGEL" n 

ONLY  THESE 12 

AFTER  THE  VESPER  SERVICE 12 

WITHIN  MY  HEART 14 

"CHRISTIAN  WORK" 15 

How  LITTLE  IT  COSTS! 16 

AMID  "THE  EVERLASTING  HILLS"     .        ...  17 
A  HAPPY  DAY  —  A  RESTFUL  NIGHT  .        .        .        .18 

THE  WEE  BIRD  OF  THE  HOME-NEST  .        .  19 

DON'T  FRET  ! 20 

PASS  ON  YOUR  BLESSINGS    ....  21 

SOME  PEOPLE 21 

AT  CLOSE  OF  DAY 22 

HOME-MADE  SUNSHINE 22 

To  THE  "SHUT-INS" 23 

CONFIDENCE 24 

THE  WORD  ON  THE  PANE 25 

THE  "ANGELUS  BELL" 26 

"  MOODS  " 27 

"  FORWARD  ! " 29 

A  DAY  IN  JUNE 29 

GOD  EVERYWHERE!      .        .       .       .       .       .        -30 

v 


vi  CONTENTS. 

FACE 

THE  NIGHT-WATCH 31 

MY  "STEWARDSHIP" 32 

STITCHES 33 

His  GIFTS 34 

CONVALESCENCE 35 

"  PRAYER 36 

WILL  IT  RAIN? 37 

AN  UNFRAMED  PICTURE 38 

DARKENED  EYES 39 

THE  DOVE  AT  THE  COMMUNION  TABLE    .        .        .  41 

Two  VIEWS  OF  A  QUESTION 42 

THE  PRAYER  OF  A  GRATEFUL  HEART       ...  43 

THE  HARVEST-TIME 44 

GIVE  A  "HELPING  HAND" 45 

THE  "HAPPY  LAND" 46 

THANKSGIVING 48 

AN  ADVENT  HYMN 49 

A  CHRISTMAS  JUBILEE 5° 

THE  CHRISTMAS  MONTH 51 

THE  NEW  YEAR 52 

THE  GIFT  OF  THE  NEW  YEAR 53 

ASH  WEDNESDAY 53 

AFTERWARDS 55 

WITH  THE  EASTER-TIDE 56 

EASTER  DAY  . 57 

ASCENSION  DAY 5& 

MEMORIAL  DAY 59 

DECORATION  DAY — AT  NIGHTFALL    ....  60 

THE  LESSON  OF  SUMMER 61 

"His  MERCY  Is  OVER  ALL!" 62 


PREFACE  AND   DEDICATION 

These  poems  selected  from  the  author's 
collection  (and,  by  kind  consent  of  the  editors 
for  whom  they  were  originally  written,  re- 
issued in  book  form)  are  respectfully  dedicated 
to  the  public,  with  the  hope  that  they  may  find 
favor  and  acceptance. 

Very  truly, 

M.  D.  B. 


SUNSHINE. 


THERE'S  plenty  of  sunshine  to  spare  for  us  all, 

Then  into  our  lives  let  us  take  it ; 
This  world,  though  brimful  of  the  glorious  light, 

Can  be  dark,  —  if  we  choose  so  to  make  it ! 
We  should  open  our  hearts,  let  the  sunshine 
pour  in, 

And  light  up  the  dark,  dismal  places  ! 
With  sunshine  within,  and  sunbeams  without, 

'T  will  be  hard  to  wear  sad,  gloomy  faces. 
Go  seek  out  the  lives  that  are  clouded  and  sore, 

Where  sunshine  perchance  has  not  entered, 
And  give  to  them  freely  from  your  brimming 
cup, 

Where  gladness  and  joy  have  long  centred. 
O,  all  the  world  over  there's  light  for  us  all ; 

Then  into  our  lives  let  us  take  it ! 
The  world,  though  brimful  of  the  glorious  gift, 

Can  be  dark,  —  if  we  choose  so  to  make  it. 


SUNSHINE. 

footsteps. 

THE  snow  came  down  through  the  livelong  night, 

And  lay  in  the  morning  high  and  white 

O'er  field  and  meadow,  as  far  and  wide 

As  the  eye  could  reach  on  either  side. 

Down  to  the  gate  I  picked  my  way 

To  speak  a  moment  to  neighbor  Grey, 

And  little  Teddy,  my  bright-eyed  son, 

Coaxed  hard  to  "  go  out  in  the  snow  for  fun." 

"  The  snow  is  deep,  and  my  boy  so  small 

I  fear  in  the  cold  drifts  he  may  fall," 

His  mother  —  kissing  the  red  lips  —  said. 

But  coaxing,  and  shaking  his  curly  head, 

My  little  son  answered  :  "  Let  me  go  ! 

I'll  step  where  papa  has  stepped,  you  know  ! 

I'll  tread  right  straight  where  he  treaded,  you'll 

see, 
And  of  course,  mamma,  't  will  be  safe  for  me  !  " 

So  stealing  consent  with  his  kisses  sweet, 
Equipped  for  the  sport,  the  dear  little  feet 
Were  set  with  care  —  as  he  walked  along 
In  the  tracks  of  my  own  feet,  broad  and  strong, 
Till  he  reached  my  side,  at  the  gate  at  last, 
Where  I  caught  him  up  and  held  him  fast, 
And  he  laughed,  as  he  cried  with  his  eyes  ashine, 
"  I  choosed  your  footsteps,  papa,  for  mine  !  " 
"  Chose  my  footsteps  !  "     Ah  !  all  that  day 
The  words  of  my  trustful  boy  would  stay 


SUNSHINE. 

Down  deep  in  my  heart ;  and  within  my  brain 
Repeated  themselves  again  and  again, 
Till  I  sent  to  my  Father  a  prayer  for  aid  — 
To  turn  aright  each  footstep  I  made 
While  journeying  onward  by  night  or  day 
'Neath  storm,  or  in  sunshine  o'er  life's  highway. 

"  To  tread  where  papa  has  trod,  you  see, 
Of  course,  mamma,  will  be  safe  for  me  !  " 
God  grant  I  may  tread  —  ere  it  be  too  late  — 
The  path  which  leads  to  the  Golden  Gate. 
Where  stands  my  Father,  with  outstretched 

arms, 

To  gather  me  in  from  hurt  and  alarms ; 
For  treading  the  way  that  his  footsteps  lead 
Will  always  be  safest  for  me,  indeed ! 

"(Bofc'g  $ngef." 

[Ps.  34  =  7-] 

O,  BLESSED  thought !  that  night  and  day 

"  God's  angel  "  watches  o'er  us, 
That  wheresoe'er  our  footsteps  stray 

"  God's  angel  "  goes  before  us. 
How  safe  we  ought  to  feel,  how  free 

From  anxious  cares  depressing, 
If  we  but  rest  us  willingly 

(Our  need  of  aid  confessing) 
On  this  assurance  of  his  love, 
Who  keeps  such  watch  and  ward  above, 
And  lends  an  angel  from  his  throne 
To  "  tarry  round  about  his  own  "  ! 

ii 


SUNSHINE. 


JUST  to  do  the  very  best  that  in  us  lies  each  day; 
Just  to  glean  the  sunbeams,  and  toss  the  clouds  away  ; 
Just  to  keep  on  hoping,  though  disappointments  grow  ; 
Just  to  let  a  healing  smile  follow  the  tear-drop's  flow  ; 
Just  to  be  as  loving  as  we  can,  and  kind  and  true. 
Clinging  to  the  "  Golden  Rule  "  in  all  that  we  may  do  ; 
Just  to  count  the  blessings,  with  the  ills  of  life  ; 
And  our  heaven-helped  victories  over  pain  and  strife. 
Then,  as  on  we  journey  toward  life's  setting  sun, 
Christ  will  wait  to  greet  us  with  the  praise,  "  Well  done  !  " 


"  ART  weary,  mother  ?     Lean  a  little  more 
Upon  mine  arm,  that  I  thy  steps  may  guide 
More  surely  o'er  the  way." 

"  Ay,  child,  my  store 

Of  strength  were  small,  save  thou  wert  by  my  side. 
How  calm  and  still  this  hour!     It  is  as  though 
Our  pastor's  benediction  were  outspread 
Upon  the  twilight  air,  and  softly  broods, 
Till  even  nature  bows  a  reverent  head. 
Didst  note  the  text,  my  girl  ?  " 

"  Yea,  mother,  this 
It  was  :    '  At  eventime  it  shall  be  light  !  '  ' 

"  Ay,  child,  and  pray  that  it  be  not  amiss 
That  my  old  heart  should  yearn  for  that  glad  time." 

"  Dear  heart  !  and  has  the  day  of  thy  good  life 
Seemed  but  so  wearisome  to  thee,  alas  ! 


SUNSHINE. 

That  thou  shouldst  wish  the  all  too  hasty  hours 
On  pinions  yet  more  fleet  to  speed  and  pass  ?  " 

"Nay,  daughter;  for  the  Master  whom  I  serve 
Hath  shared  each  burden  he  hath  deemed  it  best 
To  lay  upon  my  back.     Yet  he  himself 
Hath  bidden  us  look  forward  to  that  rest 
Which  doth  await  the  weary  servant  here, 
Beyond  the  clouds,  those  clouds  that  dim  the  days 
Of  mortal  life,  however  fair  the  dawn, 
And  lead  us  sometimes  into  weary  ways." 

"  Now  have  a  care,  dear  mother,  lest  thy  feet 
Should  stumble  o'er  this  rough  and  thorny  ground." 

"  I  fear  me  not ;  thine  arm  is  young  and  strong; 
A  daughter's  love  is  hedging  me  around." 

"  Yea,  mother,  has  it  not  to  thee  been  true 
And  steadfast  through  the  years  so  swiftly  flown  ? 
And  have  I  not  been  doubly  blessed  the  while 
In  thy  dear  love  ?  " 

"  Ay,  child,  so  God  hath  known ; 
And  I  bethink  me  of  the  love  which  guards 
Each  one  of  us  along  the  way  of  life  ! 
O,  there  be  stones,  and  thorns,  and  tangled  paths, 
And  many  a  byway  leading  unto  strife ; 
And  foes  unseen,  and  fears  we  dare  not  face, 
And  tiresome  hills  we  are  too  weak  to  cross." 

"  And  Hope  is  tempted  to  forget  her  gain, 
But  in  the  shadow  sits  to  count  her  loss. 
Is  it  not  so,  my  mother  ?  " 

"  Nay,  for  Faith, 

Hope's  best  companion,  bids  her  lift  her  eyes 
From  where  earth's  shadows  lie  so  heavily, 
And  look  beyond  the  gloom  to  starry  skies. 


SUNSHINE. 

Think  of  that  love  which  shareth  every  woe  ! 
Think  of  that  heart  which  knows  each  human  fear ! 
Think  of  that  hand  which  waits  in  tenderness 
To  wipe  from  human  eyes  each  sorrowing  tear ! 
Think  of  that  arm  which  lets  us  lean  yet  more 
Upon  its  strength  !   and,  as  thou  guidest  me, 
My  tender  daughter,  how  much  more  I  know 
The  sweetness  of  my  Master's  sympathy !  " 

"  See,  mother !  though  this  day  has  been  so  dark 
(With  lowering  clouds  and  threatening  storm),  behold ! 
The  western  sky  hath  clothed  itself  anew, 
And  wears  its  purple  robe,  and  crown  of  gold, 
Fit  ending  for  the  vesper  service." 

"Ay  ! 

It  promises  a  restful,  peaceful  night. 
Child,  thinkest  thou  again  of  that  sweet  text? 
Truly,  '  At  eventime  there  shall  be  light ! ' ' 


O,  MY  heart  hath  many  chambers,  and  each  chamber 

holds  its  own 

Of  all  the  varied  treasures  cherished  by  my  heart  alone. 
My  friends  are  ever  welcome  to  its  fancies,  should  they 

care 
To  take  the  keys  of  friendship,  and  ope  the  chambers 

there. 

But  there  's  one  no  earthly  friendship  can  enter  night 

or  day, 
And  't  is  there  its  inmost  treasures  are  hidden  safe  away. 


SUNSHINE. 

Hopes,  fears,  and  earnest  longings,  thoughts  unbetrayed 

by  speech, 
The  glad  and  sad,  together,  beyond  e'en  friendship's 

reach. 

No  friend  can  ope  that  chamber,   God  only  holds  its 

key; 
And  there  he  deigns  to  enter,  to  bring  peace  and  help 

to  me. 

Whate'er  he  may  discover  of  wrong  and  error  there, 
He  helps  me  in  my  trying  to  keep  his  chamber  fair. 

My  heart  takes  sweetest  comfort  in  the  thought  that  day 

or  night 
He  knows  its  grief  for  sinning,  its  efforts  toward  the 

right. 
And  while  it  hath   that  chamber  for  Christ,  and  love 

divine, 
Those  which  my  friends  may  enter,  with  truer  friendship 

shine. 


"Christian 


"  CHRISTIAN  work  !  "     How  good  it  is  to  do  ! 
Its  feeblest  effort  makes  one's  heart  more  true  ! 
And  its  results,  —  how  can  they  fail,  indeed, 
Since  Christian  work  sows  only  best  of  seed  ? 

So,  Christian,  work  !     Nor  tire  through  the  day  ; 
The  night  will  come  when  Christ  will  put  away 
The  toil,  the  care,  the  worries  ;  and  he  knows 
How  well  his  "  worker  "  earns  a  sweet  repose. 

'5 


SUNSHINE. 


feitffe  3f  £osf0! 


How  little  it  costs  —  if  we  give  it  a  thought  — 

To  make  happy  some  heart  each  day  ! 
Just  one  kind  word,  or  a  sunny  smile, 

As  we  go  on  our  daily  way. 
Perchance  a  look  will  suffice  to  clear 

The  cloud  from  a  neighbor's  face, 
And  the  touch  of  a  hand  in  sympathy 

Remove  the  tear's  sad  trace. 

One  walks  in  sunlight  ;  another  goes 

All  wearily  in  the  shade  ; 
One  treads  a  path  that  is  fair  and  smooth, 

Another  must  pray  for  aid 
O'er  ways  that  are  rough  with  stumbling- 
stones, 

Where  the  tired  feet  go  slow  ; 
One  sees  with  eyes  which  are  glad  and  bright, 

Another's  with  tears  o'erflow. 

We  pass  each  other  along  the  way, 

But  we  don't  take  pains  to  heed 
(We  who  are  filled  with  our  own  content) 

The  sum  of  our  neighbor's  need. 
Can't  we  stop  to  give  just  a  kindly  smile  ? 

A  friendly  word  or  so  ? 
Or  perhaps  one  glance  of  sympathy 

Which  might  lessen  a  neighbor's  woe  ? 

Can't  we  kindle  anew  a  dying  trust, 
And  stay  some  falling  tears  ? 

16 


SUNSHINE. 

And  help  sweet  faith  to  revive  again 
In  the  midst  of  griefs  and  fears? 

O,  it  costs  so  little !  I  wonder  why 
We  give  it  so  little  thought. 

A  smile,  a  word,  a  glance,  a  touch, 
What  magic  with  them  is  wrought ! 


ms  fiffs." 

OVER  the  distant  mountains  lies  a  soft  and  tender  haze ; 
Upon  the  nearer  hills  all  day  a  golden  sunlight  plays ; 
The  valley  lies  in  safety   'neath  the  grandeur  of  the 

heights, 

And  revels  in  the  beauty  of  the  summer's  dear  delights. 
As  far  as  eye  can  see  it  views  God's  pictures  fair  and 

sweet ; 
No  flaw,  no  blot  to  mar  his  work,  but   all    sublime, 

complete. 

And,  over  all,  the  tender  skies,  so  fleecy,  soft,  and  blue, 
And,  still  beyond,  the  "watchful  love,"  so   wonderful 

and  true ! 
Again,  behold !  a  sudden  change  comes  sweeping  o'er 

the  sky, 
And  now  upon  the  mountains,  see  !  cloud-shadows  darkly 

lie. 
The  valley  can  no  longer  laugh,  since,  'neath  the  gloom 

o'erhead, 
Its  merry  friends,  the  sunbeams,  have  faded,  and  have 

fled. 
Now  dark  and  darker  grows  the  sky,  until  at  last  the 

rain 

17 


SUNSHINE. 

(Sweet  nature's  tears)  bursts  forth  as  from  a  heart  o'erfull 

of  pain.  , 

And,  till  the  grief  is  spent,  the  face  of  nature  must  be 

sad, 
And  then,  her  heart  refreshed,  the  clouds  have  passed, 

and  she  is  glad. 
Now  watch  the  sun  behind  those  clouds !  how  coyly  it 

peeps  through 
A  little  rift,  now  here,  now  there,  till  wider  spreads  the 

blue 

Of  heaven's  own  glorious  canopy ;  and  down  the  moun- 
tain's side 

The  sunlight  riots  once  again,  and  scatters  far  and  wide. 
The  storm  has  passed  ;  the  valley  smiles  again  in  peace 

serene ; 
And  just  a  little  sermon  has  been  preached  to  me,  I 

ween. 
The  thought  is  only  this,  that  wheresoe'er  life's  tears 

may  be, 
There  will  always  be  God's  smile  behind  the  clouds,  for 

you  and  me ! 

$  ijappE  ©as  —  ®  (gesffuf  (nigftf- 

To  wake  in  the  morning  with  grateful  heart  that  the 

perils  of  night  are  o'er, 
And  the  prayer  that  wherever  we  go  by  day,   God's 

guidance  may  go  before, 

To  keep  us  safe  o'er  the  slippery  ways,  and  to  save  from 
hurt  and  sin, 

O,  that  is  the  key  to  —  "A  Happy  Day," 
And  the  way  the  day  should  begin ! 

18 


SUNSHINE. 

To  kneel  with  an  humble,  thankful  heart  for  mercies 

enjoyed  all  day, 
And  a  prayer  for  peace  as  the  hours  of  night  aie  passing 

in  darkness  away, 

To  trust  in  the  care  which  f  aileth  not,  and  the  love  of  the 
"  Faithful  Friend," 

O,  that  is  the  key  to  —  "  A  Restful  Night," 
And  the  way  that  the  day  should  end ! 

£0e  'Wee  $ira  of  tfye  gomemesf. 

THE  sun  hath  ceased  its  shining,  and  gently  sinks  to 

rest, 
The  birds  are  homeward  flying,  each  to  its  own   safe 

nest. 

'T  is  now,  at  sunset  hour  (the  tenderest  since  the  morn), 
That  the  dear  dream-angels    gather,    and   "  lullabies " 

are  born. 

Safe  hiding  in  the  leafage  of  the  tree  beside  my  door, 
Full  many  a  mother-birdie  hovers  her  young  birdlings 

o'er; 
And  here  within  my  home-nest  my  own  wee  birdling 

lies, 

While  over  earth  are  shining  "  our  Father's  "  starry  skies. 
O   wee   bird   of   my   home-nest,    come  nestle   close  to 

me ! 

Better  the  arms  of  mother  than  nest  in  leafy  tree  ! 
One,  caring  for  the   sparrows,  with   tender   heart   and 

true, 

Cares  with  a  love  immortal,  dear  babe  of  mine,  for  you. 
Ay !  mother's  arms  infold  you,  but  his  are  ever  near 
To  hold  us  both  from  danger,  and  both  to  him  are  dear. 

19 


SUNSHINE. 

To  him  we  all  are  "  children,"  who  dare  not  go  alone, 
And  mother's  strength  is  weakness,  save  in  his  strength 

alone. 
See !  fast  the  stars  are  gathering,  their  nightly  watch  to 

keep 

O'er  every  little  birdling,  through  the  long  hours  of  sleep  ; 
And  slumberland  is  echoing  with  the  tender  lullabies 
Which  from  the  quiet  shadows  of  the  nesting-hour  arise. 
And  whilst  the  hours  are  fleeting,    and  silence   reigns 

supreme, 

And  while  the  stars  in  heaven  still  brightly,  softly  gleam, 
May  our  Father  bless  my  baby,  and  hold  her  in  his  care, 
Till  my  wee  bird  of  the  home-nest  wakes  to  the  morning 

fair. 

©on'f  $ref! 

WHAT  are  we  fretting  for  day  after  day, 

Worrying  our  smiles  and  good  temper  away, 

Envying  our  neighbors,  and  reaching  for  gains 

Which,  when  we  attain  them,  are  n't  worth  half  our  pains  ? 

If  we  know  in  our  hearts  that  in  heaven  above 

There's  a  "  Father  "  who  watches  his  children  in  love, 

Then  why  are  n't  we  true  to  that  knowledge,  and  so 

Just  trust  to  him  wholly,  and  let  the  doubts  go? 

"  God  is  in  heaven,  'Us  well  with  the  world !  " 

His  glorious  banners  on  earth  are  unfurled  ; 

Then  let  us  be  happy,  and  worry  no  more ! 

When  faith  enters  in,  doubt  flies  out  the  heart's  door, 

And  once  rid  of  doubt,  it  is  true  as  can  be 

That  the  heart  from  its  worries  and  fears  will  be  free. 

And  in  place  of  our  sighs  there'll  be  many  a  song 

To  lighten  our  troubles,  and  help  us  along. 


SUNSHINE. 


on 


THERE  are  cheerful  hearts,  and  lives  that  are  glad, 

Which  wake  to  a  day  of  praise  ; 
There  are  those  whose  hearts  for  a  weary  while 
Have  long  forgotten  the  joy  and  smile 

Of  life's  sunshiny  days. 
Let  those  who  gather  the  joys  of  life 

So  easily  day  by  day, 

Remember  the  lives  which  grieve,  and  are  sad, 
And,  remembering,  strive  to  make  them  glad, 

And  brighten  life's  sombre  gray. 

JJome  Qpeopfe. 

THERE  are  some  people  whom  to  know  is  such  a  true 

delight 

That  just  the  very  thought  of  them  inspires  one  toward 
right. 

We're  better,  for  the  truth  that  lies 
Before  us,  in  their  kindly  eyes, 
And  there's  a  trust  which  never  dies, 
Or  dark  our  days,  or  bright. 

Such  people  are  the  sunbeams  God  doth  scatter  o'er 

life's  way 

To  cheer   us,   after   troublous   clouds   perchance   have 
marred  the  day. 

Whate'er  the  gloom,  the  strife,  the  care, 
Whate'er  the  burdens  we  may  bear, 
Dear  Friendship's  sunbeams  still  are  there, 
To  turn  to  gold  life's  gray. 

21 


SUNSHINE. 


£fo0e  of 


ANOTHER  day  has  gone,  and  we 
Perhaps  its  record  would  not  see. 
Too  little  love,  too  little  care, 
Too  little  time  for  grateful  prayer, 
Too  little  striving  for  the  right, 
Too  little  search  for  "kindly  light." 
Alas  !  the  record  would  but  show 
How  fast  our  faults  and  follies  grow. 

Turn  from  our  sins,  dear  Christ,  away, 
Forget  them  all,  at  close  of  day. 
Forget  the  faults  which  made  thee  sad; 
And  if  we  haply  made  thee  glad, 
Remember  only  that,  this  night, 
And  keep  us  safe  till  morning  light; 
And  grant  the  morrow's  page  may  be 
More  clean  for  thy  pure  eyes  to  see. 


WHAT  care  I  as  the  days  go  by, 
Whether  gloomy  or  bright  the  sky? 
What  care  I  what  the  weather  may  be  ? 
Cold  or  warm,  't  is  the  same  to  me. 

For  my  dear  home  skies,  they  are  always  blue, 
And  my  dear  home  -weather  (the  glad  days  through) 
Is  "  beautiful  summer,"  from  morn  till  night, 
And  my  feet  walk  ever  in  love's  true  light. 

22 


SUNSHINE. 

And  why  ?     Well,  here  is  my  baby  sweet, 
Following  me  round  on  his  restless  feet, 
Smiling  at  me  through  his  soft  blue  eyes, 
And  gladdening  and  brightening  my  indoor  skies. 

And  baby's  father,  with  fond,  true  heart 
(To  baby  and  me,  home's  better  part), 
His  face  is  sunshine,  and  we  rejoice 
In  the  music  heard  in  his  loving  voice. 

So  why  should  I  heed,  as  the  days  go  by, 
Whether  gloomy  or  bright  the  sky 
Of  the  outside  world,  when  we're  busy  all  day 
Mamifacturing  sunshine  which  fades  not  away  ? 

With  smiles,  with  kisses,  with  peace  and  joy, 
Father,  mother,  and  baby  boy, 
We  are  living  each  day  in  the  sunshine  we  make, 
And  the  dear  Lord  helps  us,  —  for  love's  sweet  sake. 


to  f0e  " 

"  The  Lord  is  my  shepherd." 

DEAR  sick  and  sorry  ones,  do  not  despair, 
For  't  is  to  you  God  gives  his  tenderest  care. 
The  shepherd,  walking  daily  'mongst  his  sheep, 
Seeks  out  the  weary  sick  ones,  and  doth  keep 
Them  ever  near  him,  so  to  guide  and  lead, 
And  give  them  of  his  comfort  in  their  need. 
Are  you  "  too  tired  "  to  put  your  prayer  in 

speech  ? 
Be  comforted  ;  your  Father  you  may  reach 

23 


SUNSHINE. 

With  just  a  thought,  as  with  closed  eyes  you  lie, 

Waiting  for  pain,  at  last,  to  pass  you  by. 

Just  think  your  prayer ;  the  Father  knows  it  all, 

And,  bending  low,  he  hears  the  silent  call. 

Do  not  despair,  dear  sick  ones,  doubt,  nor  fear ; 

Just  look  for  him,  and  lo  !  he  is  so  near ! 

Confidence. 

THOU  Father  in  the  world  above ! 
Thou  God  of  pity,  and  of  love  ! 
Thou  tender,  sympathetic  Friend, 
Whose  sweet  compassion  hath  no  end ! 
Thou  Guide,  for  all  who  trust  to  thee  ! 
Thou  Saviour,  when  from  harm  we  flee! 
Thou  wondrous  Christ  and  Lord  of  all, 
Who  deignst  to  listen  when  we  call ! 
O,  fill  our  hearts  with  grateful  praise, 
That  human  life,  in  all  its  ways, 
Hath  claim  upon  thy  listening  ear, 
And  praying,  knows  that  thou  dost  hear. 

No  matter  when,  nor  how,  nor  where, 

The  heart  sends  up  its  instant  prayer, 

The  time,  the  place,  counts  not  with  thee 

So  much  as  trust  and  loyalty. 

The  prayer  which  clingeth  to  belief 

Finds  ready  answer  and  relief, 

In  thy  sweet  love,  and  thy  dear  grace, 

Whate'er  the  time,  where'er  the  place  ! 

For  this  we  bless  thee  night  and  day, 

And  thank  thee,  while  to  thee  we  pray. 


SUNSHINE. 


on  t$e  (pane. 

A  True  Incident. 

I  WAS  weary,  I  was  troubled,  I  was  vexed  with  anxious 

cares  ; 
Things  had  "  all  gone  wrong,"  I  argued,  spite  of  wishes, 

hopes,  or  prayers  ; 
E'en  my  children  gave  no  comfort,  for  my  heart  seemed 

turned  to  stone, 
And  of  all  who  bowed  'neath  burdens,  —  the  saddest, 

I,  alone. 

Thus  it  seemed  to  me  one  morning,  as  I  gathered  one 

by  one 
The  "duties"  all  around  me,  toiling  till  the  last  was 

done. 
And  the   afternoon  was  quiet  when  the  children  went 

to  play, 
And  I  sat  me  down  a  moment  to  bewail  the  cares  of  day. 

How  I  thought  them  each  one  over,  dwelling  on  them 

drearily  ! 
"  Who,  I  wonder,"  moaned  I  sadly,  "  cares,  or  gives  a 

thought  to  me, 
Or  e'en  knows  I'm  heavy-hearted,  as  the  toilsome  days 

goby?" 
And  my  tired  soul  made  answer  only  with  a  tired  sigh. 

Then  I  rose,  and  to  the  nursery  went  to  take  up  work 

again. 
But  behold,  a  -word  before  me,  gleaming  on  the  window- 

pane  ! 

25 


SUNSHINE. 

Just  one  word  in  printed  letters!     Well  I  knew  from 

whence  it  came, 
For  how  often  little  Teddy  loved  to  print  that  sacred 

name! 

The  sacred  name  of  "  Jesus,"  as  he  breathed  upon  the 

glass, 
And  with  his  tiny  fingers  spelled  the  dear  name,,  and 

alas, 
7  that  name  had  so  forgotten  !     In  shame  I  bowed  my 

head, 
As  the  answer  to  my  murmuring  upon  the  pane  I  read. 

"  Dear  Lord,"  I  prayed,  "  forgive  me  !  Jesus  does  my 

troubles  know  ; 
Jesus  knows  I'm  heavy-hearted;  Jesus  knows  my  every 

woe  !  " 
And  my  gloom  like  mist  then  vanished,  sunshine  filled 

my  heart  again. 
And  I  blessed  the  little  finger  that  spelled  "  Jesus  "  on 

the  pane. 


OVER  the  fields  its  silvery  tones 

Come  floating  soft  and  clear; 
And  the  toilers  pause  in  their  weary  toil, 

And  bow  their  heads  to  hear 
The  call  to  prayer.    And  they  seem  to  feel 

The  touch  of  the  "  Hand  of  Love," 
And  labor  lightens  with  every  thought 

That  soars  to  the  throne  above. 

26 


SUNSHINE. 

O  bell  which  calleth  the  mind  away 

From  the  things  of  care  below, 
How  sweet  to  lay  our  burdens  down 

In  the  shrine  of  the  sunset's  glow, 
And  rest  in  the  lessons  of  faith  and 
trust  — 

Which  thy  clear,  soft  echoes  teach  — 
That  we're  never  too  far  for  the  touch 
of  God, 

And  the  love  of  his  heart  to  reach  ! 


Is  it  a  cheerful  mood,  my  friend,  that  holds  your  heart 

to-day  ? 
Then  hold  it  fast,  nor  let  it  creep  from  out  your  heart 

away. 

Is  it  a  kindly  mood?     Still  try  to  keep  it  for  your  own, 
Nor  let  it  leave  you  save  by  way  of  friendly  look  and 

tone. 

Is  it  a  loving  mood?   E'en  so  love  shall  be  won  for  you ; 
For  where  dwells  love,  there  is  no  room  for  aught  unkind, 

untrue. 
Is  it  a  discontented  mood  which  turns  your  thoughts  to 

gall, 
And  digs  a  deep  and  gloomy  gulf,  where  every  thought 

will  fall 
Below  the  plane  of  faith  and  trust,  and  only  shadows 

reign  ? 
Then  do  your  best  to  climb  the  pit,  and  find  the  light 

again. 

27 


SUNSHINE. 

Is  it  an  anxious  mood  ?     Fear  not !  for  there  is  One  to 

share 
The  burden  of  your  anxious  fears,  the  weight  of  every 

care. 
And,  "  casting  all  your  cares  on  him  because  he  cares  for 

you," 

'T  will  not  be  long  before  his  peace  shall  shine  the  shad- 
ows through. 
So  do  cheer  up,  ye  moody  ones !     Do  try  to  lift  your 

eyes 
And  find  the  brightest,  bluest  spots  which  linger  in  the 

skies. 
Why  need  you  hunt  for  shadows  when  the  shine  is  all 

you  need  ? 
Why  do  you  let  the  gloomy  thoughts  your  better  nature 

lead? 
Why,  when  you  find  the  roses,  look  for  the  thorns  they 

hide, 
As  though  those  thorns  were  all  they  give,  and  nothing 

sweet  beside  ? 
Why  mar  your  pleasure  with  a  fear  \&?>\.  pain  may  lurk 

behind  ? 
Why  grieve  o'er  woes  you  do  your  best  through  moody 

moods  to  find  ? 

O,  if  your  "  moods  "  you  needs  must  have,  choose  only 

those  which  hold 
The  merry  sunbeams,  filling  life  with  words  and  deeds 

of  gold. 
The  cheerful,  kindly,  loving  moods,  which  like   sweet 

incense  rise 
From  the  pure  altar  of  your  heart  to  seek  the  tender 

skies. 

28 


SUNSHINE. 


SEVEN  small  letters  !  yet  behold  the  strong,  brave  word 

they  spell. 
And  if  we  take  the  proffered  hint,  and  use  its  meaning 

well, 
We're  bound  to  leave  behind  us  all  the  things  that  vex 

and  wear, 
And,  pressing  bravely  "  forward,"  win  life's  choicest  gifts 

so  fair. 

Go  forward  in  endeavor  !  go  forward  in  the  way 
Which  leads  to  right  and  duty,  as  we  journey  day  by  day. 
And  as  you  go,  look  forward  to  the  great  reward  which 

lies 
In  waiting  for  us,  when  we  reach  the  goal  beyond  the 

skies. 


($.  ©ag  in 


O  DAY  so  fair  !     O  day  so  rare  ! 

Vouchsafed  from  heaven  above. 
To  soft  blue  skies  we  lift  our  eyes, 

Our  hearts  o'erflow  with  love. 

For  each  sweet  day  that  comes  our  way, 
For  each  sweet  night  of  peace, 

We  yield  a  prayer  of  thanks  for  care 
And  love,  which  will  not  cease. 

O,  may  that  prayer  on  faith's  bright  wings 
Reach  the  dear  Giver  of  all  good  things. 


SUNSHINE. 


"  He  spreadeth  out  the  heavens  and  ruleth  the  raging  of  the  sea." 

How  can  the  heart  of  man  find  room  for  doubt  of  God's 

dear  love, 

Or  cavil  at  the  wondrous  streams  of  mercy  from  above, 
While  far  as  eye  can  reach  we  see  the  beauteous  land- 

scape spread, 

The  rolling  ocean  at  our  feet,  the  azure  sky  o'erhead, 
The  glorious  sunshine  of  the  day,  the  starshine  of  the 

night, 
And  know  the  joy  of  every  gift  which  maketh  life  so 

bright  ? 

No  room  for  doubt,  dear  Lord,  should   lie  within   an 

honest  heart, 
Where  honest  eyes  behold  the  truth  in  every  sign  and 

part 
Of  this  great  world,  wherein  we  dwell  at  thy  supreme 

command, 

Supported,  loved,  provided  for  by  thy  almighty  hand. 
Thy  truth  lies  plain,  for  man  to  read,  through  all  this 

world  below,    • 
And  thou  hast  written  it  in  the  skies,  which  shine  and 

gleam  and  glow 

Above  the  landscape.      Every  note  of  nature's  harmony 
Sings  out  the  blessed  song  of  praise  from  nature's  heart 

for  thee  ! 
So  how  should  heart  of  man  find  room  for  question 

or  for  doubt, 
When  viewing  all  thy  wondrous  works  so  freely  spread 

about? 

3° 


SUNSHINE. 

Thou  God,  who  madest  heaven  and  earth,  how  can  we 

fail  to  see, 
To  know,  believe,  and   evermore  confess  our  debt  to 

thee?     ' 


THE  busy  day  has  passed :  night's  shadows  fall 

O'er  rich  and  poor,  o'er  weak  and  sick  and  sad, 
O'er  happy  hearts,  o'er  strong  and  well  alike, 

And  tenderly  infold  lives  good  and  bad. 
Above  the  "  world  and  all  that  dwell  therein," 

The  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth  his  vigil  keeps. 
There  is  no  spot  in  all  the  universe 

Beyond  that  watch  which  wearies  not,  nor  sleeps. 
To  those  who  toss  throughout  a  weary  night, 

Wakeful  with  sickness,  or  from  carking  care, 
How  sweet  the  thought  that  One  is  "  standing  guard," 

And  all  our  weariness  with  us  doth  share ! 
To  those  who  sweetly  rest  from  night  till  dawn, 

In  slumber  happ'ly  undisturbed,  how  sweet 
The  thought  that  't  is  his  watchful,  tender  love 

Which  ever  spares  us,  still  new  days  to  greet ! 
O  busy  world  of  "  creatures  here  below," 

Whether  ye  prize  or  slight  his  tender  love, 
This  ye  must  surely  know,  —  your  good  or  ill 

Is  marked  by  those  pure,  watchful  eyes  above. 
'T  is  not  for  naught  he  keepeth  guard  o'er  all 

This  world  of  varying  moods ;  so  let  us  pray 
That  through  his  wondrous  care  our  nights  may  lead 

Safe  through  the  shadows  unto  "  perfect  day." 

31 


SUNSHINE. 


A  LITTLE  dark-eyed  son  have  I,  scarce  four  years  old  is 

he; 
But   those  bright   eyes  and  listening  ears,  what   heed 

they  pay  to  me  ! 

And  everything  he  sees  me  do,  so  does  he  also  try, 
And  whatsoe'er  he  hears  me  say,  so  says  he  —  by  and  by. 
Full  well  I  guard  my  deeds  each  day,  lest  thoughtless 

act  of  mine 
A  little  learning   heart  to  wrong  should  presently  in- 

cline. 

Nor  must  I  yield  to  hasty  speech  of  words  unkind,  lest  he 
A  little  later  grieve  my  heart  with  faithful  mimicry. 

My  laddie  came  to  me  one  day,  when  I,  o'erfull  of  care, 
The  interruption  of  a  word  could  scarcely  heed  or  bear. 
"  Help  me,  mamma  !  "  he  coaxed.  "  No,  no,  go  help 

yourself"  I  cried. 
He  looked  at  me  with  troubled  eyes,  then  turned  from 

me  aside. 
The  words  had  scarcely  left  my  lips  ere  they  had  left 

my  mind, 

And  presently,  at  ease  again,  I  went  my  boy  to  find. 
In  tender  mood  I  lifted  him  to  sit  upon  my  knee, 
"  Give  mother  a  dear  kiss  ?  "  I  asked.     "  Go  he'p  you*- 

self!  "  said  he. 

I  took  him  at  his  word,  and  kissed  the  dimpled  cheeks 

and  chin, 
Then  hid  my  eyes  upon  the  heart  my  words  had  entered 

in. 

32 


SUNSHINE. 

"For  O,"   thought    I,   "if  thus  he   heeds  so  slight   a 

thing  I  say, 
What   if   still  further  from  the  right  I  lead  my  boy 

astray  ?  " 

And  ever  since,  I  seem  to  feel  my  stewardship  to  be 
A  sacred  trust  from  the  dear  Lord,  who  gave  my  charge 

to  me, 
And  who  so  placed  his  confidence  in  me,  and  my  en- 

deavor, 
By  giving  me  a  soul  to  train  for  his  best  love,  forever. 


PATIENTLY  sewing  as  days  go  by, 
Whether  come  rain,  or  a  cloudless  sky; 
Patiently  setting  the  stitches  aright 
From  dawn  of  day  till  the  shades  of  night 
Bring  rest  awhile  to  the  hands  and  heart, 
And  a  chance  for  the  long-pent  tears  to  start. 

Tears,  perchance,  of  trouble  and  woe, 

Which  every  heart  for  itself  must  know  ; 

Tears  of  weariness,  tears  of  pain 

For  the  cares  which  will  wake  to  the  dawn  again  ; 

And  tears  of  failure  of  hopes  long  past, 

All  free  to  flow,  while  the  night  shall  last. 

But  when  the  morning  again  is  here, 
Back  to  the  toil,  however  drear  ! 
Back  to  the  stitches,  one  by  one, 
Set  side  by  side  till  the  task  is  done  ! 
And  another  waits,  and  another  still, 
All  ready  the  day's  long  hours  to  fill. 

33 


SUNSHINE. 

Well,  do  not  each  of  us,  in  our  way, 

The  "stitches"  of  character  set  each  day? 

One  by  one,  and  side  by  side, 

Till  our  tasks  are  finished  at  "  eventide  "  ? 

One  by  one  in  the  morn  of  youth, 

Sewing  the  stitches  of  love  and  truth. 

Or  the  stitches  which  bind  us,  alas !  too  well, 
To  the  tempter's  bright  and  alluring  spell. 
Setting  the  stitches,  as  we  go, 
Either  for  happiness  or  for  woe ; 
Careless,  or  careful,  which  are  we, 
As  we  sew  our  stitches  so  constantly  ? 

Setting  the  stitches,  one  by  one, 

As  life  goes  on  toward  the  setting  sun ; 

Whether  for  wrong,  or  whether  for  right, 

The  task  will  be  finished  when  comes  the  night. 

God  grant  we  work  in  his  blessed  name, 

Since  Christ,  our  Master,  our  work  must  claim. 


THE  springtime  may  be  fair  and  sweet  'neath  skies  of 

tender  blue ; 
But,  O  thou  Giver  of  the  gifts,  send  me  in  kindness, 

too, 
The  sense  of  gratitude  and  love,  which  surely  shall 

o'erflow 
The   hearts  of  those   who   thus   receive  and  use   thy 

bounties  so. 

34 


SUNSHINE. 

For  if  we  fail  thy  love  to  read  in  these  fair  gifts  of 

thine, 
And  if  we  do  not  feel  the  grace  which  renders  them 

divine, 
Then  we  of  half  our  birthright,  Lord,  defraud  ourselves, 

alas ! 
And  the  true  sweetness  of  thy  gifts  unknowingly  we 

pass. 
So  send  with  all  the  springtide  joys  —  so  welcome  here 

below  — 
A  sense  of  love  and  gratitude  each  heart  to  overflow. 

£onuafescence. 

BACK  from  the  borders  of  the  shadowy  shore, 

Slowly,  with  faltering  feet,  I  turn  once  more, 

And  with  a  dreamy,  wondering  surprise, 

This  side  of  heaven  again  unclose  my  eyes. 

Dear,  loving  ones  stretch  out  their  arms  to  me, 

Those  whom  I  thought  on  earth  no  more  to  see ; 

And  tender  words  of  welcome  reach  my  ear 

From  lips  whose  speech  I  'd  thought  no  more  to  hear. 

Out  'neath  the  sunshine  loved  ones  wheel  my  chair, 

That  I  may  gather  strength  in  the  sweet  air 

That  fills  all  space  between  glad  skies  and  earth, 

And  revel  in  new  life's  delicious  birth. 

What  thoughts  are  these  which  overflow  my  soul, 

As  back,  and  further  back,  death's  shadows  roll  ? 

O  God  of  that  dear  home  so  far  above, 

Where  I  had  almost  reached  thee  and  thy  love, 

Thou  knowest  the  thoughts  my  lips  cannot  express, 

The  gratitude  my  heart  would  fain  confess  ! 

35 


SUNSHINE. 

I  did  not  shrink  from  going,  Lord,  to  thee, 
When  I  supposed  that  thou  hadst  called  for  me. 
But  O,  thou  knowest  the  depths  of  my  poor  heart, 
And  knew  its  grief  from  these  loved  ties  to  part. 
And  thou  wert  merciful  !  and  I  am  here  ! 
And  gratitude  hath  made  thee  yet  more  dear. 
How  beautiful  earth  seems  again  to  one 
Who  with  its  joys  has  been  so  nearly  done! 
More  beautiful,  because  I  seem  to  stand 
Also  within  the  distant  happy  land, 
And  the  sweet  peace  of  thy  dear  heaven  above, 
Seems  following  me  e'en  here  'mid  scenes  I  love  ! 
Dear  God,  make  this  fair  earth  a  heaven  to  me, 
By  tarrying  near,  that  I  may  walk  with  thee 
Along  earth's  ways,  and  thank  thee  night  and  day, 
That  I  am  spared  'mid  these  dear  scenes  to  stay. 


0  SAVIOUR,  help  me,  day  by  day  ! 
Though  pain  and  trouble  come  to  me, 

Help  me  to  put  my  fears  away, 

And  trustingly  depend  on  thee. 
Mine  eyes  are  darkened  through  my  sins. 

My  feet  are  tired,  and  fain  would  rest, 
And  my  proud  spirit  has  not  owned 

That  thou,  dear  Saviour,  knowest  best. 
But,  weary  of  my  wanderings,  Lord, 

Frightened,  not  knowing  where  to  turn, 

1  call,  at  last,  upon  my  God, 
And  for  his  loving  care  I  yearn. 

'T  is  only  through  thy  strength  that  I 

36 


SUNSHINE. 

May  find  the  courage  which  I  need ; 
And  wisdom  I  shall  only  learn, 

When  to  thy  loving  words  I  heed. 
And  so,  dear  Father,  pardon  all 

My  faults,  my  sins,  my  grievous  ways, 
And  henceforth,  heart  and  voice  shall  join 

To  sing  with  grateful  love  thy  praise. 
The  shadows  from  my  wondering  eyes 

Shall  lift  at  thy  kind  touch  at  last, 
And  I  will  walk  the  path  thou  lead'st, 

Till  toil  and  danger  all  are  past. 
Then,  help  me,  Jesus,  day  by  day, 

Though  pain  and  sorrow  come  to  me, 
To  put  all  doubts  and  fears  aside, 

And  lovingly  depend  on  thee. 
Thou  art  my  strength,  my  guide,  my  help; 

Thou  art  the  Shepherd  of  thy  sheep  ; 
Within  thy  fold,  where  all  is  peace, 

Dear  Saviour,  thou  thy  flock  will  keep. 

0»tff  3t  (gain  ? 

WELL,  yes  ;  it  is  cloudy ;  perhaps  it  may  rain, 

But  it  cannot  be  "  pleasant "  forever,  you  know. 
There  's  always  an  equal  division,  you'll  find, 

Of  sunshine  and  shadow,  as  through  life  we  go. 
But  one  thing  is  certain,  —  though  clouds  may  hang  low, 

The  sun  is  behind  them,  all  ready  to  shine  ! 
And  to  keep  a  brave  heart  when  vexations  are  near, 

Is  to  lighten  the  trouble  that  makes  us  repine. 
If  the  tear-drops  must  fall,  let  us  try,  if  we  can, 

A  rainbow  to  make,  as  we  smile  through  our  tears. 

37 


SUNSHINE. 

And  in  thinking  of  paths  that  are  sunny  and  bright, 

We  '11  forget  to  be  peopling  unknown  ones  with  fears. 
Even  clouds  have  their  blessings ;  they  help  us  to  know 

The  joy  and  the  beauty  of  each  sunny  day, 
For  the  blessings  and  joys  that  are  many  and  free, 

We  do  not  half  value  —  till  taken  away. 
So  now  heed  my  "  sermon,"  my  dear  little  friend, 

As  you  stand  on  the  threshold,  and  ask,  "  Will  it  rain  ?  " 
Go  bravely  ahead  with  a  sunbeamy  heart, 

And  come  rain,  or  come  shine,  you  '11  be  happy,  't  is 
plain. 

$n  QXnframefc  (picture. 

ONLY  a  landscape,  beautiful  with  the  grace  of  a  sum- 
mer's day, 

And  bright  in  the  glow  of  the  sunshine  over  the  lawn  at 
play. 

An  old  house  sheltered  and  guarded  by  many  a  stately 
tree, 

Where  the  leaves,  in  the  summer  breezes,  are  fluttering 
merrily. 

White  daisies  cover  the  greensward,  and  golden  butter- 
cups lie 

Where  clover-blossoms  are  nesting,  under  the  azure  sky. 

There  are  bees  in  the  fields  and  pastures,  and  butterflies 
on  the  wing, 

And  many  a  nest  in  the  tree-tops,  where  birdlings  are 
learning  to  sing. 

There  's  a  meadow  slope  in  the  distance,  where  cows  are 
browsing  all  day, 

And  a  brook,  through  ferns  and  wild  grasses  merrily 
coursing  its  way. 

38 


SUNSHINE. 

Think  not  my  picture  was  painted  for  silent  gallery  walls, 
Where  only  through  shaded  windows  the  sunlight  charily 

falls ; 
Ah,  no  !  for  I  stand  in  my  doorway,  and  breathe  the 

fragrant  air, 
And  hark  to  the  sweet  sounds  of  nature  while  viewing 

my  picture  so  fair. 

Its  beauty  can  never  be  bounded  by  frame  of  ebon  or  gold, 
And  the  scenes  so  gladsome  to  look  at  never  grow  faded 

and  old. 

No  painted  sunshine  could  equal  the  shine  of  the  sum- 
beams  I  see ; 
No  canvas  could  glow  with  the  beauty  my  picture  is 

giving  to  me ; 
No  artist  could  paint  me  a  landscape  so  radiant  with 

blossom  and  bloom; 
No  semblance  could  scatter  such  fragrance,   the  soft 

summer  air  to  perfume  ! 
So   I    cherish   the   beautiful  picture  which  nature  has 

painted  for  me, 
And  I  fill  my  soul  with  the  sunshine,  so  glad,  so  golden, 

so  free. 

©arftenefc  (ggeg. 

DEAR  Earth,  I  know  that  thou  art  beautiful, 

For  I  can  feel  thy  mantle,  soft  and  green, 
And  rest  upon  thy  bosom,  though  a  cloud 

Of  darkness  lies  thyself  and  me  between ; 
And  I  can  feel  upon  my  upturned  face 

The  sunshine  which  doth  make  thee  smile  all  day, 
But  which,  alas  !  doth  never  touch  my  world, 

Or  turn  the  shadow  of  my  life  away. 

39 


SUNSHINE. 

I  know  that  thou  dost  deck  thyself  with  flowers. 

For  that  I  thank  thee,  since  the  power  is  mine 
To  gather  from  thy  bounty,  for  my  own, 

A  share  of  the  sweet  fragrance  which  is  thine ; 
And  thy  light  breath  hath  kissed  all  day  my  brow 

As  though  some  pitying  angel  from  above 
Would  comfort  with  caresses  my  lone  life, 

And  tell  me  of  thy  beauty  —  and  Christ's  love. 

There  come  to  me,  sometimes,  in  visions  fair, 

Bright  glimpses  of  this  world  I  cannot  see, 
And  I  can  picture  to  myself  awhile 

Some  of  the  glory  which  belongs  to  thee. 
I  listen  to  the  murmuring  of  the  brook, 

And  fancy  how  the  ripples  dance  and  gleam 
Beneath  the  sunlight,  while  the  pale  green  ferns 

Keep  nodding  in  the  breeze,  beside  the  stream. 

Then,  too,  kind  friends  do  freely  loan  to  me 

All  the  free  use  of  their  own  happy  eyes, 
And  I  can  listen  long  to  the  kind  lips 

Which  speak  of  all  that  shines  beneath  the  skies. 
Ah,  yes  !  dear  Earth,  I  know  that  thou  art  fair; 

I  feel  it,  breathe  it,  as  the  days  go  by ; 
And  thy  sweet  bloom,  thy  gracious  beauty,  grows 

More  deeply  in  the  heart  of  such  as  I. 

And  yet  —  and  yet  for  just  one  hour  of  sight, 
That  my  own  eyes  might  glory  in  the  light 
Which  overspreads  this  earth  !     That  I  might  view 
The  landscape's  tender  green,  the  sky's  bright  blue  ! 
O  heart,  be  patient !     Faith  must  bring  thee  rest. 
God  hath  me  in  his  care,  and  he  knows  best ! 

40 


SUNSHINE. 

t  f0e  Communion 

A  True  Incident. 

THE  morning  had  been  cloudy,  the  skies  were  dull  and 

gray, 

As  the  congregation  gathered  on  the  holy  Sabbath  day 

Beneath  the  time-stained  arches  of  a  quaint  old  church, 
to  hear 

The  preaching  of  the  gospel,  —  the  truth  of  God,  so  dear. 

Soft,  mingling  with  the  music  of  the  low,  sweet  organ 
strains, 

Came  the  patter  of  the  rain-drops  against  the  window- 
panes, 

And  they  beat  their  own  wild  rhythm,  —  till  the  gray- 
haired  man  of  God 

Descended  from  the  pulpit  to  the  table  of  the  Lord. 

And,  speaking  of  "  the  Master,"  the  covenant  to  sign, 
He  bade  us  all  come  forward  to  take  the  "  bread  and 

wine  " ; 
And  many  a  heart  long  troubled,  and  they  which  felt  no 

care, 
And  those  whom  strife   had   riven,  —  and   those  who 

loved,  —  met  there, 
And  one   and  all  were  welcome.      Then  the  earnest 

prayer  was  said, 
As  the  organ  chords  rose  softly  above  each  low-bowed 

head. 
When  lo !  the  clouds  were  riven !  the  sunbeams  darted 

through, 
And   within   the  chancel  window  a  white  dove  swiftly 

flew! 


SUNSHINE. 

Down   to  the   sacred   table   the  fluttering  wings  were 

spread, 
And  the  white  dove,  all  unf earing,  ate  of  the  crumbs 

of  bread. 
That  dove  with  sunshine  coming,  —  the  white-winged 

bird  of  peace,  — 
Was  it,  indeed,  an  omen  that  all  woe  and  strife  should 

cease  ? 
Were  the  clouds  that  long  had  rested  on  troubled  hearts 

that  day, 
With  the  sullen  skies  and  rain-drops,  at  last  to  pass 

away? 
O,  brighter  grew  the  sunshine,  till  our  hearts  seemed 

flooded  o'er 
With  the  sense  of  heaven's  nearness,  and  Christ's  love 

forevermore  ! 


of  a  Question. 

THERE  are  always  two  views  of  a  question,  and  so 

Why  is  it  we  only  see  one, 
When  arguing  a  matter,  and  hold  that  we  're  right, 

And  consider  the  argument  —  done  ? 
Are  we  wiser,  forsooth,  than  our  neighbor,  who  holds 

That  his  view  of  the  case  is  correct  ? 
Why  can't  we  "  keep  cool,"  as  we  talk  o'er  the  thing? 

And  why  can't  we  each  recollect 
That  there  are  two  views  of  a  question,  and  so 

Take  a  look  (for  the  sake  of  fair  play) 
At  the  side  which  our  neighbor  is  viewing,  to  see 

What  stumbling-block  lies  in  the  way 

42 


SUNSHINE. 

Of  a  mutual  concession  ?     No,  pride  interferes, 
And  't  is  only  our  side  that  we  view. 

And  we  argue  ourselves  into  anger,  at  last, 
And,  maybe,  a  friendship  falls  through. 


of  a  (Ghrafefuf  fE>earf. 

0  LORD,  I  have  been  thinking,  and  the  thoughts  within 

me  grow, 

Till  within  thy  gracious  hearing  I  must  let  them  over- 
flow. 

1  Ve  been  pondering  on  the  blessings  which  have  crowned 

my  varied  years, 

And,  like  sunshine  through  cloud-shadows,  smiles  are 
gleaming  through  my  tears. 

I  remember  times,  so  many,  when  despondent,  tired,  sad, 

Thou  hast  come  'twixt  me  and  sorrow,  with  some  plan 
to  make  me  glad,  — 

Some  tender  message,  maybe,  or  some  hope  at  last  ful- 
filled, 

Some  thought  which  brought  me  comfort,  till  my  mur- 
murings  were  stilled. 

I  've  been  thinking  of  the  blossoms  thou  hast  strewn 

along  my  way, 
That  I  might  not  heed  the  thorn-pricks  which  beset  me 

day  by  day, — 
And  the  bit  of  blue,  so  hopeful,  always  peeping  from  the 

sky! 
I  had  but  to  look  to  find  it,  as  the  clouds  were  passing 

by. 

43 


SUNSHINE. 

And  the  talents  thou  hast  loaned  me,  for  the  glory  of 

thy  name, 
Help  me  that  not  one  be  wasted,  ere  thou  come  to  claim 

thine  own. 
Talents  small  or  great,  unless  thou  wilt  bless  their  use 

to  me, 
I  may  fail  in  all  my  efforts  to  give  glory  unto  thee. 

Yes,  Lord,  I  have  been  thinking,  and,  though  fast  my 

'  thoughts  do  grow, 
'T  is  a  comfort  past  the  telling,  that  thou  every  thought 

dost  know. 
And,  while  pondering  on  my  blessings,  grateful  prayers 

to  thee  I  send, 
For  the  helplessness  which  binds  me  to  my  Master  and 

my  friend. 


O  LORD,  't  is  not  so  much  the  things  we  say 
As  those  we  do  to  please  thee  day  by  day, 
Which  show  our  thought,  and  grateful  love  of 

thee, 

And  prove  our  wish  true  servants  e'er  to  be. 
So  mindful  thou  of  all  our  needs,  dear  Lord, 
So  true  each  promise  of  thy  precious  word, 
That  hearts  o'erfull  of  gratitude  and  praise 
A  daily  offering  at  thy  shrine  should  raise. 
So  thankful,  Lord,  indeed,  we  wish  to  be, 
And  morn  and  night  bend  low  the  head  and  knee, 
And  ask  that  thou  wilt  make  our  deeds  to  show 
How  love  in  warm  and  thankful  hearts  can  grow, 

44 


SUNSHINE. 

And  daily  spread  its  influence  around  — 
Like  seeds  well  scattered  over  fruitful  ground  — 
Till  for  thy  harvest  thou  shalt  gather  in 
Thy  "  well  beloved,"  forever  safe  from  sin. 


WHEN  the  beautiful  summer  has  really  come, 

And  the  flowers  are  blooming  so  sweet  and  fair, 
And  the  grand  old  trees  are  waving  their  leaves, 

And  stretching  their  arms  to  the  fragrant  air; 
When  the  fields  and  meadows  are  clothed  in  green, 

And  trimmed  with  clovers  and  daisies  white, 
And  over  them  all  the  spreading  skies 

Are  flooding  the  earth  with  the  glad  sunlight,  — 
'T  is  then,  yes,  then,  that  our  children  love 

To  leave  behind  them  the  city  streets, 
And  hasten  away  to  those  wonderful  charms, 

With  which  sweet  summer  each  little  one  greets. 

But  what  of  those  children,  poor  and  sad 

(Fatherless,  motherless,  it  may  be,  too), 
Shadowed  by  poverty,  sickness,  and  pain, 

Crowded  and  stifled  the  summer  through  ? 
What  of  the  little  longing  hearts, 

Which  wait  so  patiently  day  by  day 
For  a  glimpse  of  the  happy,  beautiful  things 

That  rarely,  if  ever,  pass  their  way  ? 
They,  too,  must  long  for  the  "  beautiful  place," 

Where  everything  grows  so  sweet,  so  fair! 
They,  too,  must  wish  for  a  little  space 

In  the  broad,  green  meadow  ;  a  whiff  of  air 

45 


SUNSHINE. 

That  is  flower-scented  and  fresh  and  cool, 
And  the  wealth  of  clovers  and  daisies  white, 

And  the  sound  of  birds  in  the  grand  old  trees, 
And  a  frolic  with  all  the  sunbeams  bright ! 

Shall  we  give  them  a  chance  to  share  with  us 

The  sweet,  glad  charms  of  the  summer-time  ? 
As  the  joy-bells  ring  in  our  care-free  hearts, 

Shall  they  catch  the  echoes  of  each  glad  chime  ? 
For  them,  as  for  us,  God's  gifts  were  meant 

(May  he  help  us  remember  that  every  day), 
And  the  "  helping  hand,"  outstretched  in  his  name, 

He  will  fill  to  o'erflowing,  ah,  yes,  alway ! 


SITTING  in  the  gloaming  on  a  time  not  long  ago, 
Building  castles  at  my  fancy  in  the  firelight's  ruddy  glow, 
I  heard  the  children  singing,  as  they  rested  from  their 

play,  — 

The  song,  "  There  is  a  happy  land,  far,  far  away  !  " 
How  often  in  my  childhood  had  I  sung  the  same  old 

tune, 
When  my  life  was  clear  and  cloudless  as  a  day  in  merry 

June, 
When  my  heart  paid  scanty  tribute  to  the  sacred  words 

I  sang 

As  out  upon  the  summer  air  my  childish  treble  rang. 
But  thought  had  come  with  later  years,  and  I  could  not 

agree 
To  feel  that  "  happy  land  "  so  "  far,"  so  very  far  from  me  ! 

46 


SUNSHINE. 

I  did  not  think  the  Father  with  his  tender,  loving  heart, 
Would  choose  to  dwell  from  earth  below,  so  very  far 

apart ! 
So  far  from  us  who  need  him  so,  and  like  to  feel  him 

near ! 
Ah,  no  !   I  could  not  think  dear  heaven  so  "  far  away  " 

from  here  ! 
So,  listening   to  my  children   as  they  sang  their  little 

hymn, 
The  firelight's  glow  grew  misty,  for  my  sight  with  tears 

was  dim. 
My  mother  and  my  father,  side  by  side,  and  hand  in 

hand, 
Were  dwelling  with  the  angels  in  that  far-off  "  happy 

land," 
My  husband,  too,  had  gone  there  (ah,  me  !  the  tears  fell 

fast), 

And  even  then  my  trouble,  my  sorrow,  was  not  past,  — 
For  while  my  heart  seemed  breaking,   the  sad   angel 

came  once  more, 
And  cast  the  shadow  of  her  wings  beside  my  home-fold 

door. 
For  prayers  were  unavailing  !  The  Shepherd  Christ  had 

need 
Of  the  youngest  lamb  of  my  wee  flock.     How  could  the 

angels  heed 

The  arms  I  cast  about  her,  —  the  baby  on  my  breast  ? 
And  so,  at  last,  they  bore  her  back,  —  in  his  dear  arms 

to  rest. 
Those  loved  ones  now  are  waiting  in  that  "  happy  land  " 

for  me, 
That  "  happy  land,  far,  far  away  "  ?    No,  no  ;  it  cannot  be  ! 


47 


SUNSHINE. 

It  must,  instead,  be  near  us,  for  truly  do  I  know 
That  God  and  all  his  angels  are  near  us  here  below. 
'T  is  but  a  little  waiting  till  the  veil  that  spreads  between 
This  home  and  that  be  lifted;   and  the  things  unseen 

be  seen 
At  last,  with  glorious  vision.     Until  then  I'll  sing  each 

day, 
With  perfect  faith,  "  There  is  a  happy  land,  not  far 

away  !  " 
And  the  nearness  of  those  dear  ones  about  the  glorious 

throne 

Shall  fill  my  heart,  and  teach  me  that  I  live  not  life 
-  alone! 


O  DEAR  "  Thanksgiving  Day  "  !    Could  we  but 

know 

How  freely  for  us  all  Christ's  mercies  flow, 
Our  hearts  would  make  of  each  and  every  hour 
A  "  time  of  thanks,"  for  wondrous  love  and 

power. 

For  "  wondrous  love,"  —  because  of  it  each  day 
Our  faults,  our  sins,  are  pardoned,  washed  away  ; 
For  "  wondrous  power,"  —  because  his  mighty  arm 
Alone  can  shield  and  guard  mankind  from  harm. 
There  's  not  a  moment  of  the  day  and  night,  — 
There  's  not  a  time  of  darkness  or  of  light,  — 
Of  peace  and  gladness,  or  of  pain  and  woe, 
Where'er  we  wait,  or  wheresoe'er  we  go,  — 
When  round  about  our  lives  his  mercies  fail, 
Or  when  our  prayers  to  him  will  not  avail. 

48 


SUNSHINE. 

'T  is  only  that  we  lack  the  grace  to  see 
And  feel  those  mercies  flowing  full  and  free. 
The  loving  God  who  giveth  all  we  need,  — 
How  long  he  waited,  —  patiently  indeed  !  — 
Until  his  harvest-time  shall  be  complete 
And  he  may  gather  home  the  golden  wheat 
Of  human  thanks  for  blessings  year  by  year, 
And  for  the  joys  which  make  our  lives  so  dear ! 
Let  us,  to-day,  for  his  sweet  mercies'  sake, 
Sow  seed  that  must  for  him  rich  harvest  make ! 


COME,  thou  loving,  patient  Jesus  ! 

Come  in  all  thy  tenderness  ; 
Hearts  await  thee,  souls  desire  thee ; 

Come,  thy  watching  ones  to  bless ! 

Lo  !  the  night,  far  spent,  is  passing 
Into  space  ;  the  day  draws  near. 

Now  let  timid  ones  take  courage, 
Casting  off  all  doubt  and  fear. 

For  the  Lord  and  Master  cometh 

In  his  might  and  majesty. 
He  will  break  the  chains  that  bind  us, 

He  will  set  his  people  free. 

Dear  Lord  Jesus,  give  us  wisdom, 

That  our  lamps  burn  clear  and  bright, 

As  we  wait  thy  gracious  coming 

Through  the  long  hours  of  the  night. 


49 


SUNSHINE. 

O  the  comfort  which  possesses 
Loyal  hearts,  thou  Christ  of  ours, 

When  we  think  of  that  great  mercy 
Which  engages  all  its  powers  — 

In  the  cause  of  our  salvation, 
Striving  our  poor  souls  to  win, 

Bearing  with  the  faults  and  failings 
Of  a  people  born  to  sin. 

Come !  and  mayst  thou  find  a  welcome 

Worthy  of  thy  sacrifice  ! 
From  the  snares  of  doubt  and  weakness 

May  thy  love  our  hearts  entice ! 

Come  and  lift  our  spirits  upward 
To  the  mercy-seat,  where  we, 

Jubilant  in  long-sought  freedom, 
Sit  to  learn  the  truth  from  thee. 


JJu6tfee. 

O  THE  bells  in  my  heart ! 

They  are  ringing  !  are  ringing  ! 
The  songs,  O  the  songs 

Which  my  glad  heart  is  singing ! 
And  all  for  the  coming  of  Christmas  again, 
And  the  joys  and  the  blessings  which  flock  in  its  train. 

The  wonderful  blessings 

Which  Christ,  for  the  sake 
Of  his  own  glorious  birthday, 

Has  bidden  us  take 


SUNSHINE. 

From  his  bountiful  hand,  as  a  token  of  love 
Poured  out  on  his  children  from  heaven  above. 

What  wonder  that  bells, 

In  my  loyal  heart  ringing, 
Keep  chime  with  the  songs 

That  the  glad  world  is  singing  ! 
For  here  is  the  Saviour's  dear  birthday  again, 
And  love,  the  chief  blessing  that  follows  in  train. 


OF  all  the  months  within  the  year,  December,  as  we 

know, 

Is  best  and  dearest  in  our  hearts,  because  so  long  ago 
It  gave   this  world   on   one  glad  night  —  O    night   of 

peace  and  joy ! — 
It  gave  this  world  a  wondrous  gift,  —  a  new-born  Baby 

boy ! 
A  Baby  boy,  whose  mother  heard  the  hosts  of  heaven 

sing 
Loud   Glorias  to  her  little   Son,  of  heaven   and  earth 

the  king ! 

O  happy,  happy,  happy  month  !      All  peace  and  love 

it  brings 
To  each  and  every  home  wherein  the  Christmas  Gloria 

rings. 
O  honored  month,  which  holds  for  aye  the  birthday  of 

our  Lord, 
The  Saviour  of  a  helpless  world,  our  ever-living  God ! 

51 


SUNSHINE. 

The  Christmas  bells  !    How  sweet  their  chime  !     God 

bless  their  tidings  now, 
And  lay  his  seal  of  peace  and  love  upon  each  heart  and 

brow  ! 


MAKE  it  a  glad  one.     O  dear  Lord,  to  whom  our  years 

belong, 
Make  it  a  happy  year,  all  crowned  with  love  and  praise 

and  song  ! 

Fill  it,  yea,  let  it  overflow  with  loving  gifts  from  thee, 
And  the  best  gift  of  all,  dear  Lord,  a  grateful   heart 

would  be. 

A  heart  to  thank  thee  for  the  gift  of  each  new  lease  of 

life; 
A  heart  to  trust  the  hand  which  sends  each  joy,  each 

care  or  strife  ; 
A  heart  to  pray,  and  to  believe  that  thou  wilt  answer 

prayer  ; 
A  heart  to  hope,  a  heart  to  love,  a  heart  thy  peace  to 

share. 

O   tender  Christ,  bless  thou  this  year!     Bless  its  fair 

dawn,  and  bless 
Its  noontide,  and  its  nightfall,  Lord,  and  let  each  heart 

confess  — 
As  days  and  weeks  and  months  pass  on,  and  the  young 

year  grows  old  — 
That  of  the  glory  of  our    God  the  half  can  ne'er  be 

told! 


SUNSHINE. 

of  f0e  (Ueis 

THE  gift  of  another  year,  my  Lord,  from  thy  dear  hand 

we  take, 
O,  grant  that  we  use  it  gratefully,  for  thy  tender  mercy's 

sake. 
Its  every  moment  should  speak  of  thee,  its  hours  show 

forth  thy  praise, 
And  freighted  with  love  and  kindly  deeds  should  be  its 

passing  days. 
Thy  watchful  love  hath  brought  us  safe  through  the  old 

year's  paths,  we  know. 

Stretch  out  thy  kindly  hand  again,  and  lead  us  as  we  go 
Through  the  untried  ways  of  this  year  so  new,  and  grant 

our  paths  may  lie 
Where  the  brightest  beams  of  thy  bounteous  grace  may 

fall  from  the  throne  on  high. 
Lift  up  our  hearts  till  they  shout  for  joy,  and  grant  the 

gift  of  "  Peace  — 
Good-will  to  men,"  that  the  Christmas  chime  may  not 

with  the  New  Year  cease. 


OPEN  for  us,  thou  door  which  has  been  closed 
So  long  between  the  seasons  of  our  "  Fast," 

And  let  us  pass  thy  portals,  and  sit  down 
In  close  communion  with  our  Lord,  at  last. 

Sins  have  been  many ;  errors  have  been  great; 

Hearts   have  been  thoughtless ;   feet  have  wandered 
long 

53 


SUNSHINE. 

From  the  right  path,  —  but  open  thou  for  us, 
That  we  may  enter,  and  confess  our  wrong. 

Dear  Christ,  who  standeth  just  within  the  door 
Which  opens  to  the  season  now  at  hand, 

Thou  criest  "  Welcome  !  "  as  we  onward  press, 
Beside  thee,  eager  for  thy  hand. 

Nothing  that  thou  hast  made  can  thy  heart  hate  ! 
The  penitent  forgiveness  find  with  thee  ! 

Within  us,  then,  dear  Lord,  new  hearts  create, 

And  help  us  faithful  evermore  to  be. 

'. 

Bless  to  us  all  the  season  of  our  fast. 

The  Lenten  time  can  open  blinded  eyes 
And  bid  them  read  thy  laws  —  so  long  transgressed, 

And  look  upon  thy  mercies,  and  be  wise. 
Our  sins  have  wearied  us,  till  we  are  fain 

To  turn  to  thee  for  comfort.    Lift  the  weight 
Of  grief  and  sorrow  from  our  hearts,  before 

We  learn,  alas  !  repentance  comes  too  late. 

So  shall  the  fasting,  and  the  time  of  prayer, 

And  quiet,  earnest  seeking  after  thee 
Be  daily  blessed  to  us,  and  thy  dear  hand  — 

Laid  on  our  heads  in  "  Benedicite  "  — 
Be,  Lord,  the  only  "  weight  "  which  we  shall  feel 

A  precious  "  burden,"  which  we  long  to  bear 
Our  whole  lives  through,  for  touch  of  thine,  we  know, 

Is  the  assurance,  —  "  Child,  I  hear  thy  prayer !  " 


54 


SUNSHINE. 


AFTER  the  winter,  the  springtime  fair, 
With  the  scent  of  blossoms  filling  the  air ! 
No  longer  a  landscape  bare  and  brown 
Silent  and  drear  'neath  winter's  frown, 
But  gathering  daisies  fresh  and  white, 
And  dainty  buttercups,  golden  bright, 
And  nodding  grasses  that  bow  in  the  breeze, 
And  life  and  vigor  for  woodland  trees ! 
Brooks  set  free  from  the  Frost  King's  reign, 
Taking  their  frolicsome  course  again, 
Woodside  glory  of  bud  and  bloom 
Hiding  all  traces  of  wintry  gloom  ! 
And,  over  all,  the  beautiful  skies 
Blue  and  pure  as  a  baby's  eyes ; 
And  the  song  of  the  birds  come  back  to  sing 
A  joyous  welcome  to  happy  spring. 

After  the  Lenten,  quiet  and  sad, 
Cometh  the  Easter  with  all  things  glad. 
And  fairest  of  all  the  things  which  grow, 
Sweet  as  the  summer,  and  pure  as  the  snow, 
Are  the  Easter  lilies,  fragrant  and  white, 
Flinging  their  banners  out  to  the  light. 
And  thus,  with  the  springtime  bright  and  gay, 
Doth  earth's  grave  Lenten  vanish  away. 


55 


SUNSHINE. 


f0e 


Now  is  the  time  for  weary  hearts, 

And  lives  bowed  down  with  care, 
To  put  aside  their  weight  of  woe, 

And  with  the  Easter  share 
In  the  glad  promise,  the  glad  hope 

Which  comes  with  Easter-tide, 
And  in  the  comfort  of  its  dawn, 

With  Faith  and  Hope  abide. 

Now  is  the  time  when  far  and  near 

The  earth  awakes  to  sing 
Its  glorious  -Jubilate,  while 

The  Easter  carols  ring  ! 
Now  is  the  time  when  lilies  fair 

Bloom  forth  in  white  array, 
Glad  emblems  of  the  spotless  "  Lamb," 

And  "  Resurrection  Day." 

Why  should  ye  not  put  off  your  grief, 

Ye  weary  ones  ?  and  ye 
Who  weep  with  many  a  woe  of  care, 

From  sorrow  get  ye  free  ? 
For  listen  !  hear  the  bells  ring  out 

The  story  of  His  love, 
Who  died  for  us,  and  rose  again, 

And,  from  his  home  above, 

Now,  even  now,  his  strengthening  arm 
He  reaches  out,  to  bear 

56 


SUNSHINE. 

The  burdens  ye  are  grieving  o'er ; 

And  he  will  ever  share 
Your  weariness,  O  sorrowing  ones  ! 

Then  sing  ye  now  !  and  hide, 
O  doubting,  tired  ones,  beneath 

The  wings  of  Easter-tide. 


HAPPY,  happy  Easter  day  sets  its'bells  a-ringing  ! 

Once  again  —  the  Lenten  passed  —  hearts  are  tuned  for 
singing ! 

Let  us  cast  our  woes  aside,  think  no  more  on  sorrow, 

While  from  the  glad  Easter-tide  hope  and  peace  we  bor- 
row. 

Let  us  lift  our  eyes  above,  seek  the  glorious  blue, 
And  remember  that  beyond  dwells  the  Christ  so  true. 
And  that  ere  he  reached  his  throne,  for  our  sakes  he 

died! 
And  our  risen  Christ  we  see  with  the  Easter-tide. 

Come,  ye  hearts  that  have  been  sad,  hear  the  joy-bells 

ringing ! 
Come,  ye  hearts  that   have  been  glad,  join  ye  in  the 

singing ! 

Praise  the  living  Christ  whose  eye  sees  our  every  need. 
Praise   the    Lord   of   hosts,  who  is  our  "  Comforter " 

indeed. 

57 


SUNSHINE. 


(Ascension 


O  THOU  most  loving  Saviour 
Who  dwelt  'midst  human  woe, 

And  felt  the  bitterest  anguish 
That  human  life  could  know, 

What  rapture  filled  thy  spirit 
When  came  at  last  the  hour 

Which  saw  thee  rise  to  glory 
In  majesty  and  power  ! 

Thy  tender  heart,  sore  riven 
For  man,  knew  no  more  pain  ; 

From  heaven  sent  down  to  save  us, 
To  heaven  returned  again. 

What  glorious  hallelujahs 

Throughout  that  heaven  rang  ! 

What  songs  of  love  and  triumph 
Thy  waiting  angels  sang  ! 

Dear  Lord,  we  yet  are  dwelling 
'Midst  sin,  and  want,  and  woe  ! 

Look  down  from  that  high  heaven 
On  human  life  below. 

And  help  us  to  remember 
The  mansions  which  await 

The  coming  of  thy  people 
Beyond  the  "  pearly  gate." 

58 


SUNSHINE. 

So  may  we  strive  more  truly 
Thy  blessed  heights  to  reach, 

And  lessons  thou  hast  taught  us, 
Help  us,  also,  to  teach, 

That,  at  thy  second  coming, 

All  ready  we  may  be 
To  rise  to  life  undying, 

O  Christ,  our  King,  with  thee  ! 


(ttlemoriaf 


LYING  at  rest  from  the  battle  and  strife 

In  this  brave,  busy  world  of  ours  ! 
Lying  in  peace,  with  their  "  arms  laid  down," 

'Neath  the  soft  green  turf,  and  the  flowers  ! 
War  and  victory  passed  away, 

They  rest  in  their  last,  calm  sleep, 
While  over  their  graves  the  steadfast  skies 

Their  tenderest  vigils  keep. 

Hark  !  the  sound  of  the  soldiers'  tread, 

And  the  roll  of  the  muffled  drum  ! 
Down  the  street  to  the  "  silent  camp  " 

The  loyal  regiments  come. 
They  come  with  hearts  that  are  filled  with 
pride, 

And  eyes  that  with  ardor  glow, 
To  deck  with  blossoms  the  quiet  graves 

Of  those  "  comrades  "  lying  low. 

59 


SUNSHINE. 

Think  you  —  e'en  though  the  years  roll  on, 

And  men  are  busy  with  care 
And  toil  and  pleasure,  profit  or  loss, 

Each  having  his  burden  to  bear  — 
That  tender  thoughts  of  the  brave  and  true, 

Who  answered  their  country's  call, 
Can  fade  ?  can  pass  from  the  heart  away 

As  leaves  from  the  dead  trees  fall  ? 

Ah,  no,  for  out  to  the  springtime  breeze 

Our  glorious  flag  is  spread, 
And  it  tells  its  story  of  "  battles  won," 

And  of  brave  and  honored  dead. 
And  we,  who  yet  in  the  ranks  remain, 

Fighting  the  foes  of  life,  — 
God  grant  we  honor  the  cause,  and  die 

Glad  victors  in  the  strife. 


©ecorafion  ©ap  —  af  @tig0ffaff. 

THE  twilight  shadows  softly  fade  away, 
And  gentle  eve  infolds  "  The  Soldiers'  Day." 
The  stars  and  flowers  now  their  vigils  keep 
Above  the  graves  where  our  loved  heroes  sleep. 
The  atmosphere  is  fragrant  with  the  rare, 
Sweet  incense  of  the  floral  tributes  there, 
And  soft  spring  breezes  chant  a  lullaby 
To  the  dear  sleepers  'neath  the  quiet  sky. 
For  every  heart  that  lieth  there  at  rest  — 
So  passionless  upon  earth's  quiet  breast  —  '• 
Some  loving,  living  heart  hath  ached  to-day, 
With  thoughts  of  hopes  and  joys  long  passed  away  ; 

60 


SUNSHINE. 

And  memory  brings  to  view  a  vanished  face 
That  loving  eyes  its  lineaments  may  trace, 
While  -'loyalty  "  a  martial  host  has  led 
To  show  remembrance  of  the  honored  dead. 
Sweet  flowers,  risen  from  the  soil  again, 
Tell  us  that  summer  did  not  die  in  vain, 
Since  in  God's  time  its  buried  treasures  rise 
To  give  him  glory  here  beneath  the  skies. 
So  shall  they  rise,  —  our  dead,  once  strong  and 

brave, 

Sleeping  to-night  with  "  honors  "  on  each  grave, 
Their  patient  lives  were  not  laid  down  in  vain  ! 
Beyond  the  skies,  heart  shall  meet  heart  again. 


&es0on  of  Rummer. 


HERE  comes  the  summer  sweet  and  fair, 
Flinging  her  fragrance  on  the  air; 
Smiling  a  greeting  with  eyes  ashine, 
And  her  brow  serene  with  a  peace  divine, 
Summer,  sweet  summer,  I  welcome  thee, 
Though  I  know  not  what  thou  dost  hold 

for  me  ; 

Whether  thy  joys  I  may  truly  reach, 
Or  whether  patience  thy  lessons  may  teach  ; 
Whether  thy  sunbeams  all  day  will  lie 
Bright  on  my  pathway,  or  whether  I 
Must  walk  in  shadow  part  of  the  way, 
As  thine  hours  pass  on  toward  the  close  of  day 
I  welcome  thee  for  thine  own  sweet  sake, 
And  all  that  thou  givest  I  '11  gratefully  take, 
Of  the  gifts  thou  bringest  to  earth  again, 

61 


SUNSHINE. 

To  scatter  so  freely  o  'er  hillside  and  plain. 

May  He  who  sent  thee  with  all  thy  cheer, 

Help  me  to  feel  his  presence  near 

In  thy  radiant  beauty,  so  fair,  so  sweet, 

Till  thy  joys  within  me  are  all  complete, 

And  thy  sweetness  shall  be  of  his  love  a  part, 

And  thy  lessons  shall  hide  in  my  grateful  heart. 


"fig  (fierce  3s  £>»er  ®ff!" 


IT  is  wiser  to  count  our  mercies,  the  blessings  which 

strew  our  way, 
Than  to  wearily  ponder  the  troubles  we  stumble  upon 

each  day. 

It  is  wiser  to  welcome  the  sunshine  that  gladdens  the 

sky  overhead 
Than  to  fear  for  the  sometime  shadows  which  darken 

the  way  we  tread. 

It  is  wiser  to  joy  in  the  beauty  of  the  roses  which  open 

each  morn 
Than  to  pass  them  by  unheeding,  for  dread  of  the  prick 

of  the  thorn. 

If  we  only  will  count  our  mercies,  we  '11  find  that  they  far 

outweigh 
The  thorns,  the  shadows,  the  troubles  we  're  doomed  to 

meet  each  day. 

And  so,  though  sorrow  must  meet  us,  and  tears  must 

ofttimes  fall, 
Yet  ever  will  be  this  comfort  :  "  His  mercy  is  over  all  !  " 


62 


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